Job Description

Posting number: 2026-PWK9431R-SEPT-BU

Department: Public Works

Division: Public Works Solid Waste Operations

Job classification: SOLID WASTE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN I

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Building Maintenance, Public Works, Miscellaneous

Summary

NeoGov_SWasteWelder_1000pixels.jpg

OPEN TO MEMBERS OF AFSCME 109 PUBLIC WORKS - SOLID WASTE ADDENDUM BARGAINING UNIT ONLY

Temporary employees hired through a competitive process may apply for bargaining unit positions.

Advance your career with Snohomish County Public Works as a Solid Waste Maintenance Technician I! This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact on keeping our community safe and clean by maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing solid waste stationary equipment and facilities.

If you thrive in an environment where you can creatively solve problems and you have a safety-first attitude, join our award-winning team today! This work is performed at our modern Solid Waste facilities, and you will be provided with everything you need including top-of-the-line tools, vehicles, and protective wear. This position also offers the opportunity to obtain a welder’s certification by the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO)!

As a Solid Waste Maintenance Technician I, you will perform various skilled maintenance, preventive maintenance, and general repair tasks to maintain the functionality and efficiency of seven (7) solid waste facilities across Snohomish County. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintaining and repairing solid waste gas, water, pneumatic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
• Performing complex maintenance and repair work independently or with assistance of assigned personnel.
• Using steel welding and cutting techniques to fabricate and repair metal parts.
• Performing general carpentry tasks to build and maintain structures, and plumbing work to repair broken pipes.

Successful candidates will have experience using various hand and power tools to fabricate, assemble, and install steel parts, wood, or concrete components. Familiarity and/or experience with using an oxyacetylene torch to cut steel, as well as use of stick and wire feed welders is required (expert level is not necessary). The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to repair or replace plumbing fixtures, water valves and lines/pipes, and perform general carpentry tasks.

Work Schedule & Training

This position will work Monday - Thursday 3:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. After two (2) years, there is an opportunity to promote to Solid Waste Maintenance Tech II after required training.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. Complete and submit an on-line application. Provide detailed and complete responses to the four (4) supplemental essay questions at the end of the application.
2. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will advance to the next step of the screening process.
3. A panel of subject matter experts will review and score candidates' responses to the four (4) supplemental essay questions. Top scoring candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person operational proficiency test.
4. During the operational proficiency test, candidates will be assessed on their ability to weld using Stick & MIG techniques, cut steel using an oxyacetylene torch, solder a copper pipe, and complete carpentry tasks (measurements & cutting).
5. Following the operational proficiency test, top scoring candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person interview session.
6. Professional reference checks will be conducted on the top scoring applicant following the interview sessions. Please provide three (3) current professional references on your application, to include your current supervisor.
7. A conditional job offer will be extended, contingent on satisfactory results of a post-offer medical examination, Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and criminal background check.

Snohomish County the Future We Choose - video

For information about this job opportunity and posting, please email: SPW-Recruitment.

Examples of duties

BASIC FUNCTION

To maintain solid waste facilities and grounds and to troubleshoot, repair and service a variety of solid waste gas, water, pneumatic, mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic equipment and systems. To fabricate wood and metal structures. To repair or replace plumbing fixtures, perform routine manual labor tasks and operate a variety of light and heavy equipment as directed.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Troubleshoot, service and maintain basic hydraulic and mechanical systems on solid waste compaction units and other stationary equipment. Perform routine maintenance on hydraulic and mechanical devices including filter changes and adjustments for proper operation.
2. Fabricate and repair metal structures using arc welder, wire feed welder and plasma cutter, and oxygen/acetylene torches.
3. Fabrication of steel parts, wood, or concrete components or structures, including building painting, interior and exterior preservation, and installation of such structures or components.
4. Perform general carpentry including rough and finishing work. General knowledge of the use of carpentry tools.
5. Install or repair plumbing fixtures, water valves, water and waste lines.
6. Operate heavy equipment including but not limited to backhoes, loaders and forklifts to dig up water, gas, and leachate pipelines, perform various repair projects and remove and install equipment and parts.
7. May perform a variety of routine grounds maintenance tasks such as mowing, edging and trimming lawns, watering and weeding flower beds, cutting, splitting, and stacking wood, raking, pick and shovel work; may operate a chain saw, edger, power mower, trimmer, etc.

STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES

1. Performs related duties as required.
2. Completes all safety training as required.

Qualifications

One (1) year of experience operating variety of equip­ment or hand/power tools in building maintenance or industrial mechanical work AND six (6) months experience or familiarity with steel welding and cutting; OR, any equivalent combi­nation of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Must pass job related proficiency tests for general mechanical, carpentry, plumbing and steel cutting and welding knowledge.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required for employment.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid First Aid/CPR Card within 6 months of employment.
• Employment will be conditioned on satisfactory results of a post-offer drug screen test, a medical examination, and a Physical Capacities Evaluation performed by a qualified healthcare professional selected by Snohomish County.
• Because this job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test may be required prior to employment.

Supplemental information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• a basic familiarity of the proper welding techniques and practices associated with welding on various grades of ferrous metal;
• a basic familiarity of the methods, practices, tools and materials involved in servicing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing hydraulic, mechanical and pneumatic systems and equipment;
• tools, materials, methods, and techniques associated with routine basic plumbing work;
• carpentry, and mechanical tools for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair work;
• hazards associated with the work;
• safety rules and regulations;
• a variety of power tools, equipment, and vehicles.

Ability to:

• use a variety of hand and power tools skillfully and safely under a variety of conditions;
• perform basic small combustion engine repairs;
• read, interpret and apply relevant codes;
• read, interpret and work from a variety of blueprints, drawings, sketches and work orders;
• complete all work in an efficient and timely manner, including communicating ongoing progress with management and team members;
• conduct effective interpersonal and teamwork skills;
• be self motivated;
• effectively communicate orally and in writing;

Ability to:

• communicate courteously and professionally with the general public, supervisors, and co-workers;
• follow direction, advice and instruction from supervisor, lead person and co-workers on procedures, policies and repair plans.

SUPERVISION

The work is performed under limited supervision and the employee generally carries out assigned and unassigned tasks independently. The work may be spot checked for technical adequacy and conformance with work orders, plans and specifications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Positions in this class typically require working both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather at work sites throughout the County. The work may involve working at considerable heights, in confined spaces or from ladders or scaffolding. Employees are exposed to a variety of hazards such as working around high voltage power lines, and are exposed to dust, fumes, methane gas, grease, and refuse. The work involves a variety of manual labor tasks requiring some strenuous physical effort such as lifting objects weighing in excess of fifty (50) pounds. Employees are required to wear County issued safety equipment.

The work involves rotating shift assignments and requires working evenings, weekends holidays and overtime as necessary.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

EEO policy and ADA notice